Manchester City are on the verge of signing Kalvin Phillips after reaching a verbal agreement with Leeds that would mean Premier League champions spend £ 42 million more on the midfielder.
City has been tracking Phillips for most of the summer and now looks like she has her husband. Talks are in the final stages and the player’s contract has also been advanced and, while going well, Phillips could complete his move from Elland Road to Etihad Stadium over the next week.
His departure would be a major blow for Leeds. Born and raised in the city, Phillips progressed to the club’s academy to become a key figure for the team, especially during Marcelo Bielsa’s time as coach. The Argentine turned the 26-year-old into a defensive midfielder and the transition went so well that Phillips was called up to the English national team in August 2020, making his debut against Denmark a month later. He continued to do well for the club and the country and became a key for England during his career towards the Euro 2020 final.
Phillips was limited to 23 appearances throughout the competition last season due to a hamstring injury, but has been involved in the last eight Leeds Premier League games as Jesse Marsch’s men have avoided relegation thanks to to last day’s win over Brentford.
Phillips will be City’s second signing of the summer, following the arrival of £ 51.5 million from Erling Haaland. They are also expected to bid for Brighton’s highly valued winger Marc Cucurella.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are close to signing Sven Botman from Lille for € 40 million (£ 34.4 million) with add-ons.
The Dutch defender was wanted by Newcastle coach Eddie Howe in January, but no agreement could be reached. Now he should spend his summer.
Botman would be Newcastle’s third signing of the summer after the arrival of Matt Targett of Aston Villa and Nick Pope of Burnley.